Sad but true

PUBLISHED: 12:35 31 July 2007 | UPDATED: 21:46 29 May 2010

I UNDERSTAND that Eskimo leader, Aqqaluk Lynge s appearance at the Stansted public inquiry was greeted by great applause from the gathered ranks of SSE members. This follows his plea for us to do all we can to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help fig

I UNDERSTAND that Eskimo leader, Aqqaluk Lynge's appearance at the Stansted public inquiry was greeted by great applause from the gathered ranks of SSE members.

This follows his plea for us to do all we can to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help fight climate change.

But I wonder what all those who lauded Lynge's heartfelt appeal have actually done to back up their adulation.

Did they all forsake their cars and walk home? Did they unplug the plasma screens and other hi-tech gadgets that litter their households?

Did the water heater get turned down? I would bet the answer to all those is likely to be a big, fat 'No'.

If tackling climate change really is in the forefront of their minds, they shouldn't be attacking aviation in isolation for it is neither the cause nor the solution to this global problem.

Sustainable economic and environmental, as well as social, answers need to be found in a genuine attempt to move this debate forward.

I strongly suspect that if a wind farm were to be proposed for this area, supplying renewable energy and helping meet the challenge, we would soon see a protest group similar to SSE (Stop Sustainable Energy?) arguing it was not welcome and not needed. A sad but true fact I'm afraid.

Derek Chivers

Rowntree Way

Saffron Walden

Letters may be edited for clarity or length. Please ensure your letter is less than 300 words long and contains your name and address.